Livewire #2 Written by VITA AYALA Art by RAÚL ALLÉN & PATRICIA MARTÍN

Livewire #01 was an intimate journey of choice and consequence which successfully introduced readers to the premier technopath of the Valiant Universe, Amanda McKee. It was a masterly crafted debut issue and it put readers on notice. The issue wasted little time with shallow origin tropes and instead chose to dive headfirst into the trench-like depths of its titular hero’s humanity. Readers were able to thoroughly explore Livewire’s abilities, her moral compass, and her superhuman resolve. Where Livewire #01 excelled as a focused character piece and an introduction to Amanda McKee’s storied role within the Valiant brand, Livewire #02 expands beyond the hero’s perspective to build an exciting and mysterious world of identifiable intrigue.

Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín tackle this issue with their expected proficiency. While their techniques are understandably the same as in Livewire #01, panel fluidity shines in this second venture. Each nine panel action sequence becomes a highlight. The fights are visceral, emphasized by a focus on points of impact and a collateral attention to the detail of pained or purposeful expressions. Livewire remains visually palpable throughout, all but stepping from the page as her wit and her tenacity pulls her from the brink of defeat. It’s surprising then that Amanda McKee is not the only mesmeric presence featured in Livewire #02. The superhuman predator tasked with hunting Livewire through the modern industrial forest is featured here and in just three pages they threaten to steal the spotlight from an incredibly well-produced heroine.
Their design is instantly and inarguably iconic. This villain is an accomplishment.

With these powerful characters shining on every page, the storytelling momentum of Livewire #02 has no choice but to excel. Previously Vita Ayala shared the personal and intricate struggles of Amanda McKee. Readers could not help but to be ensnared by the hero’s presence and by her role in a world which she had arguably betrayed. With an opportunity to spread that narrative web outward from McKee, Ayala has succeeded in building a trap that fans of the genre will beg to become lost in. Ayala aptly juggles the righteous intentions of Amanda with the unintended repercussions of her valor. This contrast is highlighted as Livewire is attacked by an imprudent and prejudice adversary who insists on punishing the hero for the tragedies which have unfolded around her. His misguided blame and unjust wrath are immediately recognizable and McKee’s response is wholly satisfying. Livewire #02 elevates its conflict, strengthens its characters, and introduces new questions for readers to consider while they eagerly wait for the next installment.

Fans of the universe have wanted this for a long time. Livewire is firm behind the wheel of her own series and is steering a new path through the medium. The first issue was a promising, impactful beginning. Livewire #02 hits harder and accomplishes even more. By the final page it’s hard to imagine that it took so many years for Amanda McKee to get such a deserved and dutiful treatment. After all, this is a comic that needed to be read. It demands attention and refuses to return it. Ayala, Allén and Martín are proving that in 2019 Valiant is the brand to watch and Livewire is the book to read. They’ve taken an overlooked character and in just two issues built her from a stapled supporting role to one of the coolest heroes in comics. I repeat: Livewire is a badass.

Final Score: 10 out of 10 capes!

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